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With great sadness, Basketball Manitoba and the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame and Museum share the news of the passing of Inducted Member Dennis Wilson. His journey as a true builder in basketball spanned many years, and his unwavering dedication to the sport transformed many lives.
Dennis began at Glenlawn Collegiate, serving as the Varsity Boys' basketball coach from 1961 to 1970. He achieved remarkable milestones during his tenure, guiding the Lions to a memorable MHSAA 'AAAA' Provincial Championship victory in 1967. His coaching prowess shone brightly as he secured the Fort Garry Invitational Tournament (FGIT) championship in 1963 and three titles (1962, 1966, and 1970) at the Golden Boy Tournament, a precursor to the Wesmen Classic. Beyond coaching, Dennis's commitment extended to the organizational front, as he dedicated over 20 years to the FGIT organizing committee.
Dennis' influence extended to the sport's grassroots, as he worked tirelessly with local junior high schools through coaching clinics. These efforts contributed to developing a robust feeder system for St. Vital high schools. He shaped young talents and took on leadership roles, becoming the first president of the Manitoba Basketball Coaches Association. Additionally, he served as the inaugural coach at the Royal Canadian Legion International Peace Gardens basketball camp, where he mentored young athletes for six years. As an administrator at Acadia, Crane and Oakenwald Schools, Dennis was pivotal in cultivating thriving basketball programs attracting and nurturing aspiring teacher-coaches.
Dennis' impact extended beyond the court, as he dedicated his time to the BeeBall program, providing inner-city youth with the opportunity to play in a program guided by high school students he mentored. He furthered his coaching legacy in the Winnipeg Minor Basketball Association (WMBA) for five years, coaching his grandson Derrick with his son Dean. Dennis exuded integrity and a quiet, gentlemanly manner throughout his journey, leaving a lasting impression on all who knew him.
In recognition of his many contributions to basketball in Manitoba, Dennis was inducted into the Builder category of the Manitoba Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
We celebrate the enduring legacy of Dennis Wilson, a man who shaped the game and touched countless individuals' lives. His dedication, sportsmanship, and mentorship will be remembered fondly and cherished as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. Dennis Wilson's memory will forever remain in our hearts, and his contributions to the game of basketball in Manitoba will continue to inspire and guide us.
Our thoughts are with the Wilson family and those close to Dennis.
VIEW DENNIS' INDUCTION INTO THE MANITOBA BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME AS A BUILDER IN 2019
